You might recall my usual choice of bookmark.
I'm either gaining a little class or else I was downstairs yesterday when something interrupted my reading.
My bookmark choice? An event ticket stub off the kitchen counter.
The event? The Rodeo.......in July.
This begs the question:
Would I rather use toilet paper or a ticket stub reminder I am 4 months behind in cleaning off my kitchen counter clutter pile?!?
Tough call.
At least I cleaned the ticket stub off the counter. Perhaps next month I'll clear off the kids' summer swimming evaluations ;)
Showing posts with label Everyday Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Everyday Life. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Random Acts of Kindness
Most of you are aware of the movement Random Acts of Kindness.
If not, or you want to learn more, click here.
Did you know words of encouragement are an act of kindness? I'm not sure if it is technically listed, but yesterday a stranger shared random words of encouragement.... and it was very kind of her.
I and my three children were coming out of PetSmart with 4 month old Hershey in tow. Hershey wore a new collar (the clasp broke on the old one) and sported a nifty contraption called the halti. (picture here or video here) Hershey did not care for the strap across the bridge of his nose and kept pawing at it vigorously all the way to the van.
Following us out PetSmart was a woman and her teenage daughter. When we arrived at our van they paused and she blurted out, "We have a halti for our lab and it works really well".
I turned to face her and asked, "Did your dog like it at first?"
"No. But she got used to it quickly and now we have no problem putting it on her."
She smiled. I smiled and said how thankful I was she spoke up.
It was reassuring to know Hershey would get used to the halti and it was not going to be torture for me putting it on him, or torture for him to wear the thing.
It took that woman 30 seconds to randomly speak up. Uninvited by me. She could have kept silent knowing the risk I might rebuff her for intruding. But she didn't and I'm so glad because for me, her intrusion turned that unsure, new puppy-mommy moment into a positive one. I had made the right decision for our puppy/family. Now Hershey won't yank on his neck so hard it leaves red marks - or drag my little children into the street.
Thank you, kind stranger, for choosing to speak up with random words of encouragement! It brightened my afternoon.
If not, or you want to learn more, click here.
Did you know words of encouragement are an act of kindness? I'm not sure if it is technically listed, but yesterday a stranger shared random words of encouragement.... and it was very kind of her.
I and my three children were coming out of PetSmart with 4 month old Hershey in tow. Hershey wore a new collar (the clasp broke on the old one) and sported a nifty contraption called the halti. (picture here or video here) Hershey did not care for the strap across the bridge of his nose and kept pawing at it vigorously all the way to the van.
Following us out PetSmart was a woman and her teenage daughter. When we arrived at our van they paused and she blurted out, "We have a halti for our lab and it works really well".
I turned to face her and asked, "Did your dog like it at first?"
"No. But she got used to it quickly and now we have no problem putting it on her."
She smiled. I smiled and said how thankful I was she spoke up.
It was reassuring to know Hershey would get used to the halti and it was not going to be torture for me putting it on him, or torture for him to wear the thing.
It took that woman 30 seconds to randomly speak up. Uninvited by me. She could have kept silent knowing the risk I might rebuff her for intruding. But she didn't and I'm so glad because for me, her intrusion turned that unsure, new puppy-mommy moment into a positive one. I had made the right decision for our puppy/family. Now Hershey won't yank on his neck so hard it leaves red marks - or drag my little children into the street.
Thank you, kind stranger, for choosing to speak up with random words of encouragement! It brightened my afternoon.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Wanted: Stay-at-Home-Homeschooling-MOM
Wanted:
Woman in mid 30's to raise, nurture, and teach 3 young children.
Experience Needed: None. On-the-job training provided (by yourself)
Pay: $ 0
*Applicant will be able to cook (passably) healthy meals, clean the home (at least when company is coming), coordinate everyone's schedules, chauffeur children to multiple activities, and be involved in said activities.
*Applicant must be able to Band-Aid a cut too small to see, ice-pack a non-existent bump on the forehead, kiss a scraped knee, and enforce "no blood, no problem" policy.
*Applicant must be impervious to whining, begging, and shouts of "you're just not being fair to me!", or "You never let me have any fun!"
*Applicant must be very patient during spontaneous games of 20 million questions - and be able to come up with clever answers.
*Applicant must be proficient in elementary math and reading. (Grammar rules are conveniently explained in workbooks).
*Applicant must convincingly fake enthusiasm for elementary science bug projects.
*Applicant must not then become daunted by year-end shouts of, "I don't LIKE school!"
*Applicant must have desire for children to know of God's love, and to teach children to show God's love to others through actions and words. This includes treatment of siblings.
*Applicant must be emotionally available at all times. Even when emotionally unstable herself, or at inopportune times.... such as the middle of the night.... multiple times per night.
** This is also an investment opportunity!
Initial investment: Everything you have
ROI: Immeasurable. Will see ROI in 20-25 years.
If interested, please contact Britt. She is considering taking a 1 year LOA on a non-disclosed tropical island.
(Of course I do NOT wish to give up being mother to my 3 wonderful children.
And this is in no way a slam against work-outside-the-home moms, or those who do not homeschool)
Woman in mid 30's to raise, nurture, and teach 3 young children.
Experience Needed: None. On-the-job training provided (by yourself)
Pay: $ 0
*Applicant will be able to cook (passably) healthy meals, clean the home (at least when company is coming), coordinate everyone's schedules, chauffeur children to multiple activities, and be involved in said activities.
*Applicant must be able to Band-Aid a cut too small to see, ice-pack a non-existent bump on the forehead, kiss a scraped knee, and enforce "no blood, no problem" policy.
*Applicant must be impervious to whining, begging, and shouts of "you're just not being fair to me!", or "You never let me have any fun!"
*Applicant must be very patient during spontaneous games of 20 million questions - and be able to come up with clever answers.
*Applicant must be proficient in elementary math and reading. (Grammar rules are conveniently explained in workbooks).
*Applicant must convincingly fake enthusiasm for elementary science bug projects.
*Applicant must not then become daunted by year-end shouts of, "I don't LIKE school!"
*Applicant must have desire for children to know of God's love, and to teach children to show God's love to others through actions and words. This includes treatment of siblings.
*Applicant must be emotionally available at all times. Even when emotionally unstable herself, or at inopportune times.... such as the middle of the night.... multiple times per night.
** This is also an investment opportunity!
Initial investment: Everything you have
ROI: Immeasurable. Will see ROI in 20-25 years.
If interested, please contact Britt. She is considering taking a 1 year LOA on a non-disclosed tropical island.
(Of course I do NOT wish to give up being mother to my 3 wonderful children.
And this is in no way a slam against work-outside-the-home moms, or those who do not homeschool)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Will I Never Learn?!?
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."
- Apostle Paul - Romans 7:15
Great verse with tons of spiritual implications to unpack.
I'm just using it for a springboard to talk about stuff I've regretted doing / not doing in recent days.
Things I should know better than to do / not do.....
1) Paint My Fingernails. I grew up a tomboy. I'm mellowing into the occasional girly-girl, so I sometimes get the impulse to do something truly girly... like paint my fingernails. Bad idea. It ALWAYS ends up looking like a 1st grader painted them. Actually, my 1st grader could probably do a better job....
2) Spend Way Too Much at Wal Mart. I'm talking both time and money here. I usually try going by myself - which means I go in the evenings when Dan is home with the kids. I always think, "I'm gonna stick to the list. Go, stay on target, and come straight home." Never happens. Wal Mart is not my ideal fun shopping store, but there is something about being alone that causes me to leisurely peruse every department in the store. Even girly aisles. (That's what got me in trouble with the above mentioned nails...)
3) Stay Up Until 2:00 am Reading a Book. I really can not do this anymore! I need sleep. But I love reading a good book in peace and quiet.... Oh the dilemma!
How about you? Any little annoying things you do/don't do that you catch yourself doing - even though you know better?!?
- Apostle Paul - Romans 7:15
Great verse with tons of spiritual implications to unpack.
I'm just using it for a springboard to talk about stuff I've regretted doing / not doing in recent days.
Things I should know better than to do / not do.....
1) Paint My Fingernails. I grew up a tomboy. I'm mellowing into the occasional girly-girl, so I sometimes get the impulse to do something truly girly... like paint my fingernails. Bad idea. It ALWAYS ends up looking like a 1st grader painted them. Actually, my 1st grader could probably do a better job....
2) Spend Way Too Much at Wal Mart. I'm talking both time and money here. I usually try going by myself - which means I go in the evenings when Dan is home with the kids. I always think, "I'm gonna stick to the list. Go, stay on target, and come straight home." Never happens. Wal Mart is not my ideal fun shopping store, but there is something about being alone that causes me to leisurely peruse every department in the store. Even girly aisles. (That's what got me in trouble with the above mentioned nails...)
3) Stay Up Until 2:00 am Reading a Book. I really can not do this anymore! I need sleep. But I love reading a good book in peace and quiet.... Oh the dilemma!
How about you? Any little annoying things you do/don't do that you catch yourself doing - even though you know better?!?
Friday, July 9, 2010
Hard Good-Byes
Woke up this morning to an "empty" house.
In-Laws caught an early flight home today and Dan is off at work.
My Dad and Uncle were able to stop in for a day visit this week... they're both gone, too.
Goodbyes are hard.
But I'm so thankful for all the fun we had this week!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Feeling Under the Weather
A mostly cloudy forecast......
I've had a pretty nasty head cold this past week. Starting to feel a bit better today, though, thank the Lord.
I'm sure this unusual rainy, chilly, windy weather is not helping. I think there have been maybe 10 nice days in the past month and a half. Very atypical. And this weather has me fooled. I don't believe it's summer yet. Therefore my mind and body have yet to get serious about swimsuit season coming up. Not good.
.... with hints of Sun....Yesterday was a nice day.
I potted strawberries and 1 blueberry bush. I had 3 blueberry bushes at one time. Between my procrastination, the bad weather, and my brown thumb..... only 1 survived. Here is a picture of my strawberries.
I took it this morning.... it's raining again.
Yesterday also provided an opportunity for a brief visit with Dan's Uncle Dale (pictured). Stay with me here, if you can. Dan's dad (Lyle) has two living brothers - Dale and Les. All 3 brothers live in Iowa.
* Several months ago, Uncle Les called to say he and his wife were visiting distant relatives in Idaho the weekend of June 19th. We made plans to meet up with them. * Early this Spring, Dan's parents (Lyle and Sherry) informed us they were going to come out for a visit the tail end of June/ 4th of July. Great :)
* Just a few days ago we discovered Uncle Dale has a good friend and they decided to fly out and visit her family here in Idaho. We met up with Uncle Dale and his friend last night at the park.
*Sooooo - within 3 weeks, Dan and I will have seen all three brothers (Dale, Lyle, Larry) from Iowa, out here in Idaho, but for different reasons!
CRAZY!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Mother's Day 2010
How was your Mother's Day?
I enjoyed a very peaceful and relaxing day. Nothing special, but everything wonderful.
The weather even cooperated with a warm and sunny day. (Thank you, God)
As we piled in the minivan for church, I had just clicked my seatbelt when all 3 kids piped up at once, "Happy Mother's Day, Mom. We love you!" (Dan's idea - coordinated by Ethan) :)
After church we enjoyed pre-plated crackers, cheese, summer sausage, and sushi. So wonderful to come home from church and have lunch all ready.
Then I read pretty much read all afternoon while kids played outside and Dan played a video game.
(after calling my own, wonderful Mother, of course!)
Dan grilled delicious NY strip steaks for supper.
Dan gave me a nice card and we relaxed watching "The Seeker" DVD after the kids were in bed.
It was wonderful.
I felt a bit guilty for not doing something with my family on Mother's Day. But Dan assured me to just relax and enjoy myself. I guess at this stage of life, Mother's Day is all about taking a break from Mother duties, right?! :)
However, I'm so thankful to be a Mom in this family. I love the family God has blessed me with. I am very fortunate to feel loved and appreciated 365 days of the year, so I don't ever feel Mother's Day is SUPER special .............. but it's still nice to read all afternoon uninterrupted and eat grilled steak for supper!
How was your Mother's Day? If you are a Mom, what was the hightlight of your day? If you are a daughter, what did you do for your Mom?
I enjoyed a very peaceful and relaxing day. Nothing special, but everything wonderful.
The weather even cooperated with a warm and sunny day. (Thank you, God)
As we piled in the minivan for church, I had just clicked my seatbelt when all 3 kids piped up at once, "Happy Mother's Day, Mom. We love you!" (Dan's idea - coordinated by Ethan) :)
After church we enjoyed pre-plated crackers, cheese, summer sausage, and sushi. So wonderful to come home from church and have lunch all ready.
Then I read pretty much read all afternoon while kids played outside and Dan played a video game.
(after calling my own, wonderful Mother, of course!)
Dan grilled delicious NY strip steaks for supper.
Dan gave me a nice card and we relaxed watching "The Seeker" DVD after the kids were in bed.
It was wonderful.
I felt a bit guilty for not doing something with my family on Mother's Day. But Dan assured me to just relax and enjoy myself. I guess at this stage of life, Mother's Day is all about taking a break from Mother duties, right?! :)
However, I'm so thankful to be a Mom in this family. I love the family God has blessed me with. I am very fortunate to feel loved and appreciated 365 days of the year, so I don't ever feel Mother's Day is SUPER special .............. but it's still nice to read all afternoon uninterrupted and eat grilled steak for supper!
How was your Mother's Day? If you are a Mom, what was the hightlight of your day? If you are a daughter, what did you do for your Mom?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Mind Games
As an expert in the field (I ran 1/5 of a mile yesterday), I've got to tell you running is all about mind games.
In my long and prolific "running" carrer, I've encountered at least 2 mind game scenarios.
(sidenote: I feel compelled to use " " whenever using the word "running" in reference to me)
1) A mile is not a mile.
My track is a sidewalk loop around a grassy playground area directly across the street. I was sure it was the size of a 1/4 mile track. My loving & supportive husband drove the car around the loop to verify mileage. He assures me it's only a 1/5 mile track.
My optimism of ever running the entire mile plummeted. In my ignorant bliss, I had convinced myself I could eventually run four laps. Now I would have to run five laps.
"But that one more lap is gonna kill me", I assured my husband upon receiving the devistating news.
Sure it is the same distance. Same mile - but different laps. There is a huge difference between 4 and 5.
2) Distance is not measured in miles, or even laps - but in mailboxes and sidewalk cracks
After resigning myself to five laps, I got started yesterday. Walked the first lap. Then "ran" the second. (The entire second lap, thank you very much). Walked third. 1/2 walked-1/2 ran fourth. Walked fifth.
Let me describe that second lap for you.......
Started off strong: "I can do this. This isn't so bad. I can make just one lap"
1/4 way through lap: "Ok, keep up the steady breathing..... Don't lose the steady breathing....."
1/2 way through lap: "Only 1/2 way??? This loop has got to be a 1/4 mile, Dan."
3/4 way through lap: "oxygen.... lungs burning..... breathe.... keep......going......gotta make.....1 ....lap"
3/4 and 4 steps: "make it to......that mailbox.......breathe in....out.... next mailbox....Lungs on fire...."
Lat 20 yards: "need air....breathe....next sidewalk crack.....next crack....next crack...my chest is exploding
......next crack.....almost there...."
Anyhoo - is there a point? Other than pointing out how pathetically out of shape I am?
Yes.
* A 5 lap mile initially seemed soooo much longer than a 4 lap mile. But it's the same distance.
* When I was "running" that last 1/2 of a 1/5 mile, I could not focus on the end goal. I would have died.
I had to break it down into smaller (much-much smaller) goals.
Spiritual Applications?
1) Am I gonna quit running the race simply because it all of a sudden seems soooo much harder/longer until the end? (Satan whispering in my ear: 5 laps; not 4 - ha!) My racing length of days has already been predetermined by my Maker/Father in heaven.
The number of laps around the sun I have left doesn't matter. What matters is that I go the distance of my pre-ordained life.
Finish the race. (or, in my case - the lap) I didn't want to, but I was motivated to post I at least made it 1 lap! Finish strong.
2) Set smaller increment goals. Do I want Jesus to tell me someday, "Well done, good and faithful servant"? You bet. When I am an elderly woman, do I want to be known as a "pillar of the assembly"? Of course. But I'm not elderly yet, and fortunately (no thanks to those last 20 yards) am not dead. In the meantime, I am a work in progress. Perhaps I should set more attainable goals than "pillar of the assembly". Maybe like regular Bible study attender, or faithful prayer warrior, or gentle word sayer, or good works doer.
I'm sure God has lots to teach me using "running". At least I hope so. Because I'm not "running" for the sheer joy of it! :)
Interactive:
Any runners out there? Has God taught you anything through running?
In my long and prolific "running" carrer, I've encountered at least 2 mind game scenarios.
(sidenote: I feel compelled to use " " whenever using the word "running" in reference to me)
1) A mile is not a mile.
My track is a sidewalk loop around a grassy playground area directly across the street. I was sure it was the size of a 1/4 mile track. My loving & supportive husband drove the car around the loop to verify mileage. He assures me it's only a 1/5 mile track.
My optimism of ever running the entire mile plummeted. In my ignorant bliss, I had convinced myself I could eventually run four laps. Now I would have to run five laps.
"But that one more lap is gonna kill me", I assured my husband upon receiving the devistating news.
Sure it is the same distance. Same mile - but different laps. There is a huge difference between 4 and 5.
2) Distance is not measured in miles, or even laps - but in mailboxes and sidewalk cracks
After resigning myself to five laps, I got started yesterday. Walked the first lap. Then "ran" the second. (The entire second lap, thank you very much). Walked third. 1/2 walked-1/2 ran fourth. Walked fifth.
Let me describe that second lap for you.......
Started off strong: "I can do this. This isn't so bad. I can make just one lap"
1/4 way through lap: "Ok, keep up the steady breathing..... Don't lose the steady breathing....."
1/2 way through lap: "Only 1/2 way??? This loop has got to be a 1/4 mile, Dan."
3/4 way through lap: "oxygen.... lungs burning..... breathe.... keep......going......gotta make.....1 ....lap"
3/4 and 4 steps: "make it to......that mailbox.......breathe in....out.... next mailbox....Lungs on fire...."
Lat 20 yards: "need air....breathe....next sidewalk crack.....next crack....next crack...my chest is exploding
......next crack.....almost there...."
Anyhoo - is there a point? Other than pointing out how pathetically out of shape I am?
Yes.
* A 5 lap mile initially seemed soooo much longer than a 4 lap mile. But it's the same distance.
* When I was "running" that last 1/2 of a 1/5 mile, I could not focus on the end goal. I would have died.
I had to break it down into smaller (much-much smaller) goals.
Spiritual Applications?
1) Am I gonna quit running the race simply because it all of a sudden seems soooo much harder/longer until the end? (Satan whispering in my ear: 5 laps; not 4 - ha!) My racing length of days has already been predetermined by my Maker/Father in heaven.
The number of laps around the sun I have left doesn't matter. What matters is that I go the distance of my pre-ordained life.
Finish the race. (or, in my case - the lap) I didn't want to, but I was motivated to post I at least made it 1 lap! Finish strong.
2) Set smaller increment goals. Do I want Jesus to tell me someday, "Well done, good and faithful servant"? You bet. When I am an elderly woman, do I want to be known as a "pillar of the assembly"? Of course. But I'm not elderly yet, and fortunately (no thanks to those last 20 yards) am not dead. In the meantime, I am a work in progress. Perhaps I should set more attainable goals than "pillar of the assembly". Maybe like regular Bible study attender, or faithful prayer warrior, or gentle word sayer, or good works doer.
I'm sure God has lots to teach me using "running". At least I hope so. Because I'm not "running" for the sheer joy of it! :)
Interactive:
Any runners out there? Has God taught you anything through running?
Monday, April 26, 2010
Running Strong
Starting this morning, my husband, Dan, and I are back on the exercise wagon.
Neither one of us enjoys getting up early. Far from it.
Neither one of us loves to exercise.
(Yah, yah - Dan ran a marathon last year. It was a temporary lapse in judgement)
However, you know what we both do enjoy?
Fitting into our clothes and being healthy.
So this morning we set our alarms for 6:00 ....... and we finally rolled out of bed by 6:40. (pathetic, I know)
Our schedule is M,W,F Dan runs (2-4 miles) while Britt does Pilates video. (Today I did one 10 minute session. Perhaps next week I will challenge myself with two 10-minute sessions)
Tue-Thur Dan will do situps/pushups while Britt runs.
Wait. What?!?
Haven't I previously posted my detestment of running on this very blog?
Why yes. Yes I have.
God has a sense of humor.
More and more I realize that when I say "I will never........" God chuckles and says "Yes you will."
It is not about what "I" can't or won't do.
It is all about what GOD wants and wills me to do.
I might think I don't have it in me to do/say/write something. But that is just crazy talk.
The Spirit of the Living GOD is in me! If God wills me to do/say/write something, I don't need power.
HE has already given me His.
I'm sure I could still call myself a good Christian without ever running in my life. But my life might last a bit longer if my heart and lungs are stronger. Hence the running.
Neither one of us enjoys getting up early. Far from it.
Neither one of us loves to exercise.
(Yah, yah - Dan ran a marathon last year. It was a temporary lapse in judgement)
However, you know what we both do enjoy?
Fitting into our clothes and being healthy.
So this morning we set our alarms for 6:00 ....... and we finally rolled out of bed by 6:40. (pathetic, I know)
Our schedule is M,W,F Dan runs (2-4 miles) while Britt does Pilates video. (Today I did one 10 minute session. Perhaps next week I will challenge myself with two 10-minute sessions)
Tue-Thur Dan will do situps/pushups while Britt runs.
Wait. What?!?
Haven't I previously posted my detestment of running on this very blog?
Why yes. Yes I have.
God has a sense of humor.
More and more I realize that when I say "I will never........" God chuckles and says "Yes you will."
It is not about what "I" can't or won't do.
It is all about what GOD wants and wills me to do.
I might think I don't have it in me to do/say/write something. But that is just crazy talk.
The Spirit of the Living GOD is in me! If God wills me to do/say/write something, I don't need power.
HE has already given me His.
I'm sure I could still call myself a good Christian without ever running in my life. But my life might last a bit longer if my heart and lungs are stronger. Hence the running.
Here is to running strong. Physically and spiritually.
Clarification: When I say that on Tue-Thur Britt runs,
I meant I'll be walk-running one mile.....at least at first :)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Pictures are worth a 1,000 excuses.... right?!?
Well,
I didn't make my M-W-F post goal last week.
I had 3 very good reasons. I thought posting picures might strengthen my story.
So without further ado, here are my 3 excuses for not posting last Wednesday and Friday:
1) Dan was out of country on a business trip to India last week.
Yes, his return flight (through Frankfurt) had to be re-routed due to the Iceland volcanic ash ordeal. But, praise God, he was never stuck in an airport and made it home only 18 hours later than originally planned (He arrived home Sunday afternoon around 2:00). Interesting side note: Flying over to India, Dan crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Coming back home he flew over the Pacific. My husband flew around the world in 9 days! :)
2)Neighborhood Garage Sales were this past Friday & Saturday.
And I participated. Not only did I participate, I helped my children plan a snack shack. They did pretty well on Friday since no other kid stands were operating that day (advantage: homeschool). Prepping for a garge sale / delux snack shack in and of itself is more than doable with husband out of country. But I, in over-zealous "I can do it" mode, planned another major project for the week..................
I didn't make my M-W-F post goal last week.
I had 3 very good reasons. I thought posting picures might strengthen my story.
So without further ado, here are my 3 excuses for not posting last Wednesday and Friday:
1) Dan was out of country on a business trip to India last week.
Yes, his return flight (through Frankfurt) had to be re-routed due to the Iceland volcanic ash ordeal. But, praise God, he was never stuck in an airport and made it home only 18 hours later than originally planned (He arrived home Sunday afternoon around 2:00). Interesting side note: Flying over to India, Dan crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Coming back home he flew over the Pacific. My husband flew around the world in 9 days! :)
2)Neighborhood Garage Sales were this past Friday & Saturday.
And I participated. Not only did I participate, I helped my children plan a snack shack. They did pretty well on Friday since no other kid stands were operating that day (advantage: homeschool). Prepping for a garge sale / delux snack shack in and of itself is more than doable with husband out of country. But I, in over-zealous "I can do it" mode, planned another major project for the week..................
3) A surprise master bedroom make-over!
Dan had no idea I was planning this. Actually, I had no idea until a week before he left. I kinda blame the Shopko ads (white dressers on > 50% off sale) and the garage sale (hey! I can sell the old dresser - see above pic)
Anyhoo, the deciding factor was that our 12th anniversary is next month and I figured it was time for a grown up, decorated master bedroom.
Ta-Da!
...... Dan loved it, by the way ;)
And I cannot post this without a HUGE Thank You to my good friend, Marci.
I could NOT have completed this project without your help!
Your stay-until-3-in-the-morning-painting-putting together 2 dressers-kind-of-help.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Duplicity
Du-plic-i-ty \ n \ 1. contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action
I might be using this word wrong (it's been known to happen), but I think it fits my life as a Christian. The Spirit of God screams from within my soul, hoping my ears will hear..... and then prompt lips and limbs into obedience. The problem? Somewhere between soulcries and action lies a pesty little thing called human will.
I am two persons living in one body. My human/sinful self and the Spirit of the Living God. I claim Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, but it's the "Lord" part I struggle with. Do I let Him call the shots? Or do I sever the soul >> action line with human willpower?
At least I am in good company. Apostle Paul struggled with the same thing.
(For the life of me, I can not find that verse on "do that which I know I should not do ....." Can someone post that scripture in comments, please?)
Want an example?
Monday. Read my Bible (Why do we call it "my Bible"? Isn't it "God's Word"?....) Anyhoo, I was reading God's Word Monday morning and found myself in Romans chapter 12. Great chapter. In particular, certain phrases stuck out at me. Phrases like: "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought" or "Honor one another above yourselves" and "Do not be conceited".
I was reminded that this blog isn't just about me. Write2Breal is also about YOU, the readers. Yes, it is a cyber diary for my thoughts. Yes, I want it to be real - to let you see the real me. BUT, who wants to come here and always read Britt's latest thought or Britt's issues (again....). So, after reading in Romans chapter 12 Monday morning, I endeavored to post about you - my loyal (5?) readers. I wanted to know what topics you would find interesting to talk about here. To see where you were at personally, physically, spiritually.
Ironic, isn't it? I endeavored (Spirit led) to post about you and get off my high horse of selfish thoughts for a bit. Unfortunately, I checked MSN news before signing on to blogger and what I ended up writing was a personal rant to help myself feel better. (selfishness). Monday's post did nothing to brighten your day, or lift your spirits, or encourage you in the Lord. My apologies :)
Duplicity.
Interactive:
What DO you want to talk about? Anything humorous happen recently? Any struggles or praises I can join you in prayer over? (remember, I'm a "regular" blogger at 3x a week now. I should get your prayer request within a day or two ;)
I might be using this word wrong (it's been known to happen), but I think it fits my life as a Christian. The Spirit of God screams from within my soul, hoping my ears will hear..... and then prompt lips and limbs into obedience. The problem? Somewhere between soulcries and action lies a pesty little thing called human will.
I am two persons living in one body. My human/sinful self and the Spirit of the Living God. I claim Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, but it's the "Lord" part I struggle with. Do I let Him call the shots? Or do I sever the soul >> action line with human willpower?
At least I am in good company. Apostle Paul struggled with the same thing.
(For the life of me, I can not find that verse on "do that which I know I should not do ....." Can someone post that scripture in comments, please?)
Want an example?
Monday. Read my Bible (Why do we call it "my Bible"? Isn't it "God's Word"?....) Anyhoo, I was reading God's Word Monday morning and found myself in Romans chapter 12. Great chapter. In particular, certain phrases stuck out at me. Phrases like: "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought" or "Honor one another above yourselves" and "Do not be conceited".
I was reminded that this blog isn't just about me. Write2Breal is also about YOU, the readers. Yes, it is a cyber diary for my thoughts. Yes, I want it to be real - to let you see the real me. BUT, who wants to come here and always read Britt's latest thought or Britt's issues (again....). So, after reading in Romans chapter 12 Monday morning, I endeavored to post about you - my loyal (5?) readers. I wanted to know what topics you would find interesting to talk about here. To see where you were at personally, physically, spiritually.
Ironic, isn't it? I endeavored (Spirit led) to post about you and get off my high horse of selfish thoughts for a bit. Unfortunately, I checked MSN news before signing on to blogger and what I ended up writing was a personal rant to help myself feel better. (selfishness). Monday's post did nothing to brighten your day, or lift your spirits, or encourage you in the Lord. My apologies :)
Duplicity.
Interactive:
What DO you want to talk about? Anything humorous happen recently? Any struggles or praises I can join you in prayer over? (remember, I'm a "regular" blogger at 3x a week now. I should get your prayer request within a day or two ;)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
First week of 2010
Wow! Is it really already Thursday?
Thanks be to God, this week has been a good week. Mind you, not all that super productive, but I figure just getting back in the swing of things is accomplishment enough this first week of the new year :)
Homeschooling is going well. Only 1.5 meltdowns this week. (That is 1 total meltdown from my kindergartner on Monday and a .5 meltdown from my 2nd-grader on Tuesday). But then on Wednesday I saw (yet again) an answer to prayer concerning homeschool. It was a simple prayer: "Lord, help me find ways to make school interesting and fun today, amen." Then, of course, I forgot about the prayer until I was prepping for the healthy food unit study during the kids' recess time. Surfing the web for a nice food pyramid to print out, I came across a food pyramid rocket launch game.
It was a total hit with the kids. (I have added the site to the homeschool sub-blog sidebar under "games")
Thank you, Lord, for caring about the education of my children!
And, then that same day (yesterday) a good friend called me up and invited herself/husband over to our house to play a board game that evening. (Their oldest can babysit their kids, so it made sense they come over here). Anyway, that was an unexpected and really fun mid-week surprise! (I almost won..... lost to Dan)
Sooooo,
Just wanted to check in with you and let you know I have survived my first week of the new year.
May I even say it has been - joyful?! :)
Thank You, God, for a joyful start to 2010 :)
Interactive:
Anyone else have unexpected surprises or blessings this first week of 2010 ?
Thanks be to God, this week has been a good week. Mind you, not all that super productive, but I figure just getting back in the swing of things is accomplishment enough this first week of the new year :)
Homeschooling is going well. Only 1.5 meltdowns this week. (That is 1 total meltdown from my kindergartner on Monday and a .5 meltdown from my 2nd-grader on Tuesday). But then on Wednesday I saw (yet again) an answer to prayer concerning homeschool. It was a simple prayer: "Lord, help me find ways to make school interesting and fun today, amen." Then, of course, I forgot about the prayer until I was prepping for the healthy food unit study during the kids' recess time. Surfing the web for a nice food pyramid to print out, I came across a food pyramid rocket launch game.
It was a total hit with the kids. (I have added the site to the homeschool sub-blog sidebar under "games")
Thank you, Lord, for caring about the education of my children!
And, then that same day (yesterday) a good friend called me up and invited herself/husband over to our house to play a board game that evening. (Their oldest can babysit their kids, so it made sense they come over here). Anyway, that was an unexpected and really fun mid-week surprise! (I almost won..... lost to Dan)
Sooooo,
Just wanted to check in with you and let you know I have survived my first week of the new year.
May I even say it has been - joyful?! :)
Thank You, God, for a joyful start to 2010 :)
Interactive:
Anyone else have unexpected surprises or blessings this first week of 2010 ?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)